NHS trusts in Sheffield have come together to host a combined festival of sustainability in healthcare.
The festival aimed to get staff and service users together in creating a greener future in Sheffield’s healthcare organisations.
The festival was hosted by Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust throughout June.
Activities included gardening and planting activities, litter picking, bike skills and maintenance sessions, guided walks, open forum climate café conversations, jargon busting videos and sessions on sustainability in clinical practice, mindfulness in nature, air pollution, waste management, and much more over the month of the festival.
Rachel Morris, head of sustainability at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “To support the NHS focus on sustainable healthcare delivery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals is committed to being efficient in the use of natural resources whilst helping to build healthy and resilient communities. We are proud to make a difference in tackling the climate crisis and are looking forward to sharing knowledge and stimulate discussion around this important topic.”
Sarah Ellison, sustainability lead at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The NHS is here to care for people in our communities now and in the future. By working towards a healthier planet, we make sure that we protect both the mental and physical health of people too. In Sheffield we are working really hard to play our part in tackling the climate crisis, and we are really excited to come together to share ideas and motivate each other to keep going towards building a better, healthier future.”
John Williams, chief finance officer and deputy chief executive at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “From reducing our carbon footprint by changing the way we deliver anaesthetic gases, to sustainable travel and insulation projects – Sheffield Children’s is always looking to lead the way into a healthier world and future for our children and young people. These events will give all our colleagues, patients, families and NHS partner organisations a chance to come together and be inspired to create a greener Sheffield community.”
